Earthquake Important things to remember during an earthquake In the Event of a EmergencyMakeTsunamianPlan Local Emergency Program Contact Home And Shelter-In-Place Kit Grab & Go Bags Information provided by the Local Government Emergency Program Advisory Commission, please visit prepareyourself.ca for more EMERGENCYINCASEOF Sept 20, 2022 APREPAREDNESS:EMERGENCYRESPONSIBILITYWEALLSHARE
TIMES COLONIST | IN CASE OF EMERGENCY2 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
British Columbia is working on an all-ofsociety approach to disaster risk reduction. That means everyone, in every organization, including individual citizens has a role to play in emergency preparation, response and recovery. Together, we can plan ahead, improve our response to these events and recover with a
First, know the hazards you face. There are 10 major hazards we face in B.C. and they vary
Visit PreparedBC.ca/emergencykit for the full list of supplies.
hand to your grocery list and pick up extra items when they’re on sale. For non-grocery items, try the local thrift and dollar stores. If gathering your supplies is too time-consuming and your budget allows, buy one pre-made. Don’t forget to include the supplies unique to your household’s needs – including your pets!
Second, make your plan. Planning is free and easy with our fill-in-the-blanks guide. Having a plan means your whole household will know where to go, what to do, and have vital information at their fingertips during an emergency. Emergencies are high-intensity and stressful – you can help lessen fear and respond with confidence simply by taking 30 minutes to make your plan and ensure everyone has a copy in their grab-and-go bag or saved to their devices. Start your planning at PreparedBC.ca/emergencyplan
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PreparedBC is B.C.’s emergency preparedness education program and we are here to help you get ready for the hazards we all face
Getting your household ready can seem like a daunting, expensive task. But it doesn’t have to be. Visit PreparedBC.ca to learn more about the 3-step process and access free resources, including fill-in-theblank plans.
GET PREPARED
Getting your household prepared doesn’t have to happen in one day. Stick to our 3-step process and start with one small part today. Get everyone involved and before you know it, you’ll be prepared and feel more confident about how your household will respond in an emergency. Want to learn more? Follow @PreparedBC on Facebook and Twitter
ecently, B.C. has coped with a continuing pandemic, a record-breaking heat dome and a devastating atmospheric river event. These emergencies were felt across the province and are having lasting effects on those still recovering. As we look ahead, we know that a changing climate is causing more frequent and destructive weather events. Everyone has a role in emergency preparedness and now is the time to ensure you’re prepared.
across our landscape. Some are widespread like severe weather, power outages and wildfire, while some are regional like tsunamis and avalanches. Find out what hazards you face where you live, work, and travel. Check out our interactive hazard map at PreparedBC.ca/hazards
focus on reducing potential damages in the future. When everyone takes steps to getting prepared, communities can minimize damage and recover faster. Individual citizens have a lot of power in determining how well their communities cope with emergencies.
Third, gather your supplies. This step doesn’t have to be costly. You’ll want an emergency kit if you need to shelter in place after an earthquake or when a pandemic has you isolating at home. Grab-and-go bags are there for when you need to leave quickly and won’t have time to pack. Use an old backpack or duffle bag and slowly add supplies starting with what you already have on hand. Add items you don’t have on
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X A tsunami is a series of waves. The first wave to arrive is often not the largest, and each wave may be separated by up to an hour or more. Waves may continue for many hours – stay away from until local officials tell it to return. tsunami is a series of waves. The first wave to arrive is often not the largest, each wave be separated by up to an hour or more. many away from the shore until is to
■ DO unless you have a life-threatening emergency and stay off phone lines as they will be in use by emergency personnel.
■ It is important to remember that the waves will continue to arrive for many hours after the initial rise and fall of the ocean level.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: ■ DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!), ■ Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table (or against a wall with your arms covering your head/neck), and ■ HOLD ON to your shelter and be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops. Section 1: BEFORE The most important thing to remember during an earthquake: X DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!), X Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table (or against a wall with your arms covering your head/neck), and X HOLD ON to your shelter and be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops. These three steps are the best way to reduce injury and death during an earthquake. I F P OSSIBL E U SI N ProtectGYourself During Ear thquakes! X EARTHQUAKE:DURINGTHEIF X shakinggroundDO X DO X authorities.instructionsDO X waterDO IF YOU ARE NEAR THE OCEAN DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: ■ DO move to higher ground once the shaking stops. ■ DO monitor local media. ■ DO follow the instructions of authorities. ■ DO NOT go near the water to watch. 24 Prepare Yourself X DO NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and stay off phone lines as they will be in use by emergency personnel. X Stay tuned to local media for further instructions. (Have a battery-powered or wind-up radio in your grab & go bag and know your local radio, TV and trusted social media sources of information.) In the event of a tsunami warning, local governments will communicate instructions using various methods. These may include telephone/email/text alert systems, sirens, social media channels, websites or door-to-door visits. Check www.PrepareYourself.ca to find out which systems your local government uses, and if there is an alert system you can subscribe to. It is important to remember that the waves will continue to arrive for many hours after the initial rise and fall of the ocean level. DO NOT go back to tsunami hazard areas until instructed by local government officials.
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Working together to emergency preparedness in the Capital Region Brought to you by Capital Region Emergency If you are near the ocean and feel an earthquake that lasts 60 seconds or more, or makes it difficult to stand: PreparedBCofCourtesyGraphic DO Drop, Cover and Hold On until the shaking has stopped DO move to higher ground DO stay tuned to local media for updates DO follow the instructions of authorities DO NOT go near the water to watch Tsunami signs to watch for at the beach: A sudden rise or fall of ocean level A loud roaring noise coming from the ocean Ground shaking It is important to remember that tsunami waves will continue to arrive for hours after the initial rise and fall of the ocean level. The shaking is your t sunami warning in the Capital Region Tsunami waves may arrive for hours Protect yourself during earthquakes 4m/ 13ft The shaking is your t sunami in the Capital Region Tsunami waves may arrive for These three steps are the best way to reduce injury and death during an earthquake. A
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■ In the event of a tsunami warning, local governments will communicate instructions using various methods. These may include telephone/email/ text alert systems, sirens, social media channels, websites or door-to-door visits.
Check PrepareYourself.ca to find out which systems your local government uses, and if there is an alert system you can subscribe to.
TSUNAMI ADVERTISING FEATURE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 | 3
■ DO NOT go back to tsunami hazard areas until instructed by local government officials. THE EVENT OF A
■ Stay tuned to local media for further instructions. (Have a battery-powered or wind-up radio in your grab & go bag).
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You and your family should be prepared to be selfsufficient for at least seven days after an emergency. This section will provide you with the resources to be ready and equipped for all emergencies, including how to create an emergency plan to reunite with your family, how to secure heavy items in your home, and how to build emergency kits and grab & go bags. Once you’re prepared, you will learn about the hazards in the capital region and specific considerations for each of those hazards.
Planning For You And Your Family
■ Places to stay in case you cannot access your home, such as a friend or relative’s house, RV, boat or hotel.
■ Risks in the region.
An emergency plan will help guide you and your family in case of an emergency. The plan should include:
CONTACT PLANNING
INFORMATION AND REUNIFICATION
■ Two routes, that everyone knows, to the reunification spot from where they live, work and play.
■ Health information, such as allergies, necessary medication, equipment and contact details for doctor, pharmacy, and other important health providers.
2 Decide in advance, as a family, where to meet and where to shelter in case you are separated and/or are unable to remain in your home in a disaster.
4 Connect with your neighbours and discuss how you can work together to help each other during emergencies.
One of the most important things you can do is to plan how you will connect with your family in case of an emergency.
An emergency can strike at any time, maybe while you are at home, work, school, driving or pursuing
■ Insurance policies and photo or video documentation of home contents.
hobbies. It is important to know where each family member will be, how you will communicate with each other and to have a reunification spot identified ahead of time. It is also important to know how to contact trusted information services.
■ Contact people both in your local area and out-of-area.
■ Safe exit routes from your home and work.
■ A list of important contacts, vital documents, and small valuables to take with you if you are evacuated.
■ How you will communicate in case you and your family members are separated.
1EMERGENCYRecommendations:PLAN
Ask an out-of-area friend or relative to act as a contact for family members who may separatedbecomeduringa disaster.
3 Make copies of important photos and documents and store them offsite, online or on a password-protected USB drive.
■ Locations and proper use of important equipment such as fire extinguishers, gas and water valves, floor drain(s) and the electrical box.
■ Those who may rely on you for assistance: children, family members with special considerations, and pets.
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■ Arrangement for care and evacuation of pets and farm animals, especially if you are away when disaster strikes.
MAKE PLANEMERGENCYAN
■ emergency blanket (Mylar “space blanket“)
■ emergency rain poncho or large plastic garbage bag
■ recent photos of family and pets
■ shovel, traction aids (kitty litter or sand)
■ chargers and adaptors for cellphones and other electronics included in your grab & go bags
■ light sleeping bag
■ whistle and dust mask (earthquakes can stir up thick clouds of dust)
■ Health and safety: home first aid kit and first aid manual; power failure lights for halls/stairwells; fire extinguishers.
■ flashlight (extra batteries)
■ deck of cards, book
■ notebook and pen or retractable pencil
GRAB & GO BAGS
BASIC ITEMS IN A BACKPACK:
■ duct tape and garbage bags
■ supply of cash in small bills and coins
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After a disaster, it’s best to remain in your own home if you can do so safely. You will need supplies for cooking, making temporary repairs and providing comfort for your family. The emergency supplies should be kept separate from the things you normally use, to ensure they are available and in working order.
■ Communications: a landline phone that operates on a phone jack and does not require electrical power (corded phone) or an emergency radio (battery- or solar-powered, or wind-up).
IF SPACE PERMITS, YOU MAY WISH TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
■ sweat pants and zipper hoody
■ toilet tissue and Ziploc bags
■ flares, reflective vest(s)
■ mini first aid kit – items such as pain tablets, eye drops, ointment, nitrile gloves, foil pack of water, etc.
■ 2 bottles of water
■ Food, emergency stove and cooking equipment: a variety of long-storing healthy foods that do not need refrigeration and are easy to prepare and eat under difficult conditions, such as nutritious canned food.
■ simple food (e.g. unsalted nuts, granola bars)
If you spend a lot of time in your car, boat or RV, you should have an emergency kit to supplement your grab & go bag. Regularly maintain your vehicles and keep the fuel tanks at least half full so you’re ready to leave in a hurry. Even if you do not have to evacuate, your car can be a place to shelter, recharge your cell phone, warm up or listen to radio reports.
■ spare keys for home, car, other
■ Sanitation and hand-washing: duct tape, lots of plastic garbage bags, emergency toilet kit, disposable gloves, outside garbage can for disposal of waste bags, toilet paper, baby wipes, liquid soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, potable water and paper towels.
■ two small bottles of water, two energy bars, chewing gum
HOME AND SHELTER-IN-PLACE KIT
■ small first aid kit
■ walking shoes
■ work gloves
■ ice scraper and brush
■ A plastic storage bucket for car/mobile supplies can be converted to a toilet if needed. Small, portable toilet seats can be purchased for some types of buckets.
BASIC SURVIVAL
■ multi-tool/Swiss Army knife
■ Household generator and fuel: especially for needs such as refrigerated medication, medical appliances and equipment, etc. Generators must never be operated in the house or other enclosed space. Generators may be a target for theft if left unattended.
SECURITY, PEACE OF MIND
■ emergency radio/flashlight with extra batteries
■ hard hat, eye goggles and coveralls
■ photocopies or password-protected USB drive of important wallet contents and insurance policies
■ Rescue, repair and clean up: tarpaulins, nylon ropes, duct tape, plastic sheeting and/or large garbage bags; axe, crowbar, hacksaw; aluminum shut-off wrench for gas meter; head lamp, work gloves, dust masks, coveralls, sturdy shoes, goggles, rags, non-permeable disposable gloves, clean utility water (non drinkable), detergents, and large, clear plastic garbage bags for taping over broken windows.
■ book, cards, puzzles
■ Heat, light and warmth: sleeping bags (much warmer than regular bedding, Mylar blankets, ground sheets or air mattresses, newspaper (for insulation); camping tent or tarpaulin and ropes (in case house is unsafe and there are no other alternatives); flashlights with lots of batteries, light sticks, battery-powered or solar lanterns.
■ Plastic water bottles will absorb vehicle fuel vapours, so foil packs are a good option for mobile kits, or place plastic water bottles in a sealed plastic container.
■ key contacts list, cellphone and phone card
CAR/MOBILE KIT
■ axe, crowbar and fire extinguisher
BASIC
■ jump starter and power bank (Eliminator®)
■ one week’s worth of prescription medication and copy of prescriptions
■ extra pair of eye glasses, batteries for hearing aids, etc.
■ Potable (drinkable) water: 4 litres per person per day for at least 7 days, plus water for pets.
■ road map and compass
■ Keep a list of medications, allergies and special equipment. Include the name, address and telephone numbers of important contacts like your doctor, pharmacist, family members, clergy or friends. Provide a copy to each “buddy” and keep a copy with you at all times.
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IF YOU CHOOSE TO TAKE YOUR PET WITH YOU:
■ Leave a sign on your door with the number of animals in the house along with their locations so emergency responders know where to look.
■ Develop a backup plan for life-sustaining equipment so it works in the event of a power outage, which may include buying an emergency generator. Ensure you know how to properly operate and fuel your equipment.
■ Put them in a sturdy portable carrier and make sure they are comfortable with it beforehand.
■ Remove or properly secure hazards in the home that could fall or cause injury.
■ Include items for your pet in your emergency kit, such as dry food, water and medications.
■ If you use battery-powered equipment, ensure you have extra batteries properly stored and accessible.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES GENERAL INFORMATION ■ BC Emergency Health Services (formerly BC Ambulance) – bcehs.ca ■ BC Centre for Disease Control – bccdc.ca ■ BC Hydro Outages – bchydro.com/outages ■ BC Ministry of Health – gov.bc.ca/health ■ BC RCMP – bc.rcmp–grc.gc.ca ■ BC Wildfire Service – bcwildfire.ca ■ Disability Alliance BC – disabilityalliancebc.org ■ Drive BC – drivebc.ca ■ Emergency Info BC – emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca ■ Emergency Management BC – gov.bc.ca/PrepareBC ■ Emergency Preparedness in the Capital Region – PrepareYourself.ca ■ Emergency Social Services BC –preparednessresponse-recovery/volunteers/emergency-social-services2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency■ Environment Canada weather – weather.gc.ca ■ Fortis BC – fortisbc.com ■ Island Health – viha.ca ■ Ministry of Environment – gov.bc.ca/env ■ National Tsunami Warning Centre – tsunami.gov ■ Natural Resources Canada – nrcan.gc.ca ■ Public Safety Canada – getprepared.gc.ca ■ ShakeOutBC – ShakeOutBC.ca ■ University of Victoria Weather Network – victoriaweather.ca
PLANNING FOR SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS may have special considerations during an emergency, such as vision, hearing, mobility, speech, language or understanding limitations. Your plan should include the things you may need to shelter in your home or away from your home
■ If you use a wheelchair or walking aids, keep them near you at all times and have extra walking aids in other areas of the house.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO LEAVE YOUR PET AT HOME:
Make sure you have an evacuation plan in place and that you designate someone to execute the plan in case you are away when an emergency happens.
Plans for pets can save precious time and maybe even your pet’s life. Make sure you designate someone to care for or evacuate your pet if you are not home when disaster strikes. If you have to leave your home, you will have to decide whether to take your pet with you. Keep in mind if you are evacuated to a group lodging facility or reception centre, you may need to make alternative arrangements for your pets.
FARM ANIMALS
PETS
■ Develop a “buddy” system with family, friends and neighbours to check on each other after an emergency. Telephones may not be working, so arrange check-ins with people who live near you. You may want to give your “buddy” a key to your home.
■ If you use oxygen, ensure the tank is secure.
■ Place a battery-powered night light or flashlight in each room.
■ If you require continued service from a service provider during an emergency, make a list of all the required contact and service information and put it with your important papers. Ask each service provider for a summary of their emergency plans so you know what to expect following an emergency or disaster.
■ Put them in a room where there is access to a high counter in case of flooding and that is free of hazards such as windows, large mirrors or picture frames.
■ Separate your dogs, cats and other smaller pets as they may behave differently under stress.
Farm animals include alpacas, cattle, donkeys, fur-farmed animals, goats, horses, llamas, mules, poultry, rabbits, sheep and swine.
ANIMALSANDFORPLANNINGPETSFARM
■ Make sure they have dry food and water for at least seven days.
You
■ Keep a whistle or horn handy to signal for help.
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Check PrepareYourself.ca or your local authorities websites for updates.
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area
• Virgin Radio – 107.3 FM @CHBE-FM
• Local TV Stations
■ After a disaster, officials will provide updates via the media as facts and information are confirmed.
Cable TV, radio and the Internet are some of the tools that officials will use to help communicate evacuation alerts and bulletins about impending dangers such as severe storms, wildfires and tsunami.
■ Do not call 911 unless life-threatening emergency.
• The Q – 100.3 FM @TheQdotFM
■ There will be lots of rumour, opinion and speculation, especially on the Internet. When making decisions for yourself and your family, rely on news that clearly comes from trusted official sources such as local government officials, first responders, utilities and Environment Canada.
• JACK FM – 103.1 FM @Jack1031VIC
• CBC Radio One – 90.5 FM @CBCV-FM
Capital Regional Distric t Valley Regional District
■ Most local media (TV and radio) do not have staff on duty 24/7; therefore, if a disaster occurs during the night, only the stations with staff on duty will be able to broadcast during the first few hours of the disaster. Other stations might bring in staff to provide 24/7 news during the disaster, but that could take hours or days.
• The Zone – 91.3 FM @TheZone913
• CFUV – 101.9 FM @CFUV
Cowichan
Sooke Metchosin SookeEast SaltIslandSpring GulfSouthernIslands SaanichNorth Sidney LangforHighlandsViewRoyaldColwoodEsquimaltVictoriaOak Bay SaanichCentralSaanich CRDTHEBYPROVIDEDMAP
■ Become familiar with your local broadcasters, and check periodically which stations have 24/7 live broadcasts. In Greater Victoria, local media include:
• The Ocean – 98.5 FM @Ocean985
■ Emergency officials will rely partly on local media and the Internet to get information to the public.
HOW TO STAY INFORMED
■ During a disaster, tune in to local media for news updates via your emergency radio. If you are online, join the conversation on Twitter for regional emergency information from @PrepareCRD and EMBC’s emergency feed @EmergencyInfoBC for provincial information.
• CFAX – 1070 AM @CFAX1010
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY PROGRAMS
Salt Spring Island: ssiepc@crd.bc.ca Notification Program: crd.bc.ca/pans
Know the Risks
LANGFORD EMERGENCY PROGRAM Langford.ca WestshoreAlert.ca 250-478-9555
•
•
COLWOOD EMERGENCY PROGRAM Colwood.ca WestshoreAlert.ca 250-478-8321
OAK BAY EMERGENCY PROGRAM Oakbay.ca/alerts obep@oakbay.ca 250-592-9121
TO HAVE A SAFE AND FUN WINTER THE RULES ARE
SAANICH EMERGENCY PROGRAM Saanich.ca/Prepare @SaanichEP 250-475-7140
•
Build Your Kits
Know Your Neighbours
VICTORIA READY VictoriaReady.ca emvic@victoria.ca 250-920-3373
CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT
ESQUIMALT EMERGENCY PROGRAM Esquimalt.ca Esquimalt.ca/alerts 250-414-7100
Have a Plan
START PREPARING TODAY THE
Juan De Fuca: jdfepc@crd.bc.ca
TIMES COLONIST | IN CASE OF EMERGENCY8 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
South Gulf Islands: sgiepc@crd.bc.ca
SIDNEY EMERGENCY PROGRAM Sidney.ca firedept@sidney.ca 250-656-2121
CENTRAL SAANICH EMERGENCY PROGRAM CentralSaanich.ca EmergencyProgram @csaanich.ca 250-544-4238
SAME FOR PREPARING FOR EVERY EMERGENCY…
SOOKE EMERGENCY PROGRAM Sooke.ca firedept@sooke.ca 250-642-5422
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NORTH SAANICH FIRE DEPARTMENT NorthSaanichFire.ca firedept@northsaanich.ca 250-656-1931
